MALIGNANT MELANOMA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a malignant melanoma?

Malignant melanoma is a the most dangerous form of skin cancer which arises from the pigment forming cells in the skin. Over 850 Australians die each year of Melanoma. The great majority of sufferers are cured when they are diagnosed early and treated appropriately.

What does a Melanoma look like?

Melanoma usually looks like a mole or a freckle which is changing.

Is malignant melanoma a common form of cancer?

Melanoma is now the third most frequent cancer after lung cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer . Despite the rising incidence of malignant melanoma, the cure rate is good provided people know what to look for and seek treatment when the early signs are present. Hence the importance of public education.

Can I get Melanoma if my skin is olive or dark?

Yes. Melanoma can affect all skin types.

Will I be protected if I use a sunscreen?

Not completely. All sunscreens still let through damaging ultraviolet rays. If you stay in the sun for long periods you can damage your skin even with a sunscreen on. water resistant, factor 15+ sunscreen provide good protection for most people but the best protection can be obtained by sunscreens which have a SPF factor greater than 30. People with very sun sensitive skins, a large number of moles or a family history of melanoma should use these sunscreens.

What can I do to prevent skin cancers and Melanoma?

Stay out of the sun, especially in the middle of the day. When outdoors, even on cloudy days, wear protective clothing, hats and sunscreens. Re apply sunscreens every 2 hours and have your moles checked regularly, especially if you have fair skin.

Is malignant melanoma contagious?

No. Malignant melanoma is not contagious and poses no threat to family members.

Is malignant melanoma an inherited disease?

Malignant melanoma is not usually an inherited disease. Less than 5% of melanoma patients have a close relative (parent, sibling, offspring) with melanoma. The risk of other family members also developing the disease is thus very small. However. there are some families in which several members have developed melanoma. In these families, auburn hair, pale sensitive skin and multiple moles are commonly found.

How often should I get my moles checked?

Older Australians (those over 65 years of age) who have had a lot of sun exposure and sun damage to their skin, should have their skin examined about once a year. Checks in younger people are best discussed with a doctor because it depends on the type of skin and the type of moles presenting.

I have heard it said that if you cut into a harmless mole you may make it spread. Is this true?

No it is not. There is no evidence to suggest that injury spreads melanoma or converts a benign mole into a malignant one. Any spread of melanoma occurs because it is already malignant. Surgery cannot cause it to spread.

Is the treatment of melanoma likely to be disabling?

This depends on the type of surgery performed. the age and health of the patient and their attitude towards the disease and its treatment. A simple excision usually causes no disability. A small skin graft usually causes negligible disability unless the patient finds its appearance distressing. Removal of the neck lymph nodes leaves a small hollow and sometimes causes a light droop of the shoulder on the affected side. If the nodes from the armpit are removed, there tends to he some stiffness of the shoulder, but provided the patient uses the arm, especially playing sport such as golf or tennis, the shoulder movements should be normal within a couple of months.

Removal of lymph nodes from 'he groin may leave the patient with some swelling in the leg. This is usually temporary. In summary, the surgical treatment for malignant melanoma does not cause serious disability especially if patients have a positive approach to recovery and return to a completely normal life.

How long will I be off work?

That depends on the treatment and the kind of work you do. Most procedures would not require more than a day or two. However, removal of lymph nodes or a skin graft may require a month off work. Ask your doctor for a more specific answer.

What follow up is needed after surgery?

The Sydney Melanoma Unit likes to follow up patients regularly, the frequency of follow up being dependent on the thickness of the tumour which was removed. Patients who have had a melanoma have a slightly greater risk of developing a second lesion, so it is wise to be examined regularly. The risk of recurrence is greatest during the first five years and becomes much less after that time. The Unit likes to know how its patients are doing in order to determine the effectiveness of different treatments.

Is diet a factor in the development or cure of Melanoma?

It is not known if any factor in the diet has an influence on melanoma. The Unit's advice is that patients should have a well balanced, healthy diet.

What can I do to help the fight against Melanoma?

Tell you friends about the risks of too much sun and alert them to any suspicious looking moles. Support efforts to raise money to continue education and research into Melanoma.